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ABOUT

LGBTI & Marriage Equality

The Greens believe that freedom of sexuality and gender identity are fundamental human rights and recognise that discrimination on the basis of identity is a significant cause of psychological distress, mental illness and suicide.

One of the key campaigns we support is for marriage equality. We believe that people should have the right to marry the person they love in the country they love, regardless of their sexuality. The Greens were the first party in Australia to make reform in this area a key policy across federal and state parties. Amending the Marriage Act is just one way the Greens are working to remove discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex (LGBTI) people in federal legislation.

I rise to support this motion for the disallowance of an instrument made by the Governor-General disallowing the ACT's Civil Unions Act, and to appeal to senators on both sides of the House to simply accede to common sense. My colleagues have very clearly outlined our position on this motion. However, I felt compelled also to make a brief statement so that I could look into the eyes of the thousands of Australians who are being affected by the government's action. I did it particularly so that I could look into the eyes of my friends and loved ones who could be affected by this government, so that I can say I did everything I could to uphold the meaning and value of the long-term, committed relationships that they have been in and are in. We value those relationships.

I rise to support this motion for the disallowance of an instrument made by the Governor-General disallowing the ACT's Civil Unions Act, and to appeal to senators on both sides of the House to simply accede to common sense. My colleagues have very clearly outlined our position on this motion. However, I felt compelled also to make a brief statement so that I could look into the eyes of the thousands of Australians who are being affected by the government's action. I did it particularly so that I could look into the eyes of my friends and loved ones who could be affected by this government, so that I can say I did everything I could to uphold the meaning and value of the long-term, committed relationships that they have been in and are in. We value those relationships.